This study closely examined the distribution and
redistribution of family income in the United States as well as family
attitudes, histories, and motivations that might predict income. Data
were collected on a wide range of demographic, economic, sociological,
and psychological factors that affect the economic position of the
family. These factors included information on present occupation and
job history, the kinds of communities in which people grew up, type
and adequacy of dwelling place, personality measures, religious
preferences, political affiliation, family history, and data on the
actions and decisions of family members. A long series of questions
was asked about the educational level achieved by adults in the family
and about parents' aspirations and plans for the educational and
occupational attainment of their children. Also included were measures
of geographic mobility, physical disabilities, labor force
participation of wives, attitudes toward hard work, and achievement
motivations, as well as demographic characteristics such as sex, age,
and race. Detailed data were collected on three major components of
family income: earnings, investments, and transfer payments. The study
utilized a sample designed to provide reliable data on both low-income
families and respondents with middle and high incomes for purposes of
comparison. Interviews were taken with 2,997 spending units in 2,800
families comprising 3,396 adult units. The data can be analyzed using
three different units: the adult unit (Part 1), in which adults were
treated individually even if they did not keep separate finances, the
family unit (Part 2), and the spending unit (Part 3).

A cross-section sample representative of United States
families was drawn for this study. In addition, a supplementary sample
of low-income families was selected from the main sample used in
SURVEY OF CONSUMER FINANCES, 1960 (ICPSR 7440), resulting in an
over-representation of low-income families.